Plastic Waste in Focus as Maldives Marks World Environment Day 2025

As part of World Environment Day 2025, the Maldives Bureau of Statistics has released new data highlighting the state of environmental resilience and waste management in the country. A central focus of the report is plastic waste, which continues to pose a significant challenge to the Maldives’ sustainability efforts.

In 2024, the Greater Malé Area alone generated 922 tonnes of plastic waste, according to data from the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO). Monthly plastic waste collection peaked in November at 135 tonnes, with other notable highs recorded in September (116 tonnes) and October (86 tonnes). The volume underscores the urgent need to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and enhance recycling initiatives.

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The report, shared by the Bureau on 5 June via its official X account, aligns with the global theme for World Environment Day: “Together, let’s beat plastic pollution and protect our planet.” It reinforces the Maldives’ ongoing call for responsible consumption and improved waste segregation practices.

Broader Waste Landscape in 2024

Beyond plastic, the Greater Malé Area saw substantial volumes of other waste categories:

• Mixed waste accounted for 131,713 tonnes, the largest share.
• Wet waste followed at 44,684 tonnes.
• Sand and construction debris contributed 22,124 tonnes.
• Glass and metal waste stood at 44.85 tonnes and 310 tonnes, respectively.

These figures reveal the breadth of waste generated and the ongoing pressure on national waste management infrastructure.

Energy Generation Still Dominated by Diesel

The report also provided insights into energy generation in 2024. Diesel generators produced 98 percent of electricity in the Maldives, while solar-based sources, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and Photovoltaic (PV) systems, contributed just 1.7 percent combined. The data highlights the need to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy sources.

Advancing Environmental Accounting and SDGs

Environmental accounting, the Bureau notes, plays a crucial role in tracking waste flows and supporting the formulation of sustainable policies. This data-driven approach helps measure progress towards national goals and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As plastic pollution continues to threaten fragile ecosystems, particularly marine environments, the Maldives Bureau of Statistics urges all sectors—public and private—to adopt a more circular approach to waste, with a renewed focus on reducing, reusing, and refusing plastic.